Department of Defense Employee Says National Guard Should Be Used for Gun Confiscation in Undercover Video

Despite the underhanded tactics by O’Keefe, the video shines a light on the government’s attitude towards the Second Amendment, particularly the use of firearms and gun ownership. 

Two, the subject of the interview is a seemingly high-ranking government official. Identified as Jason Beck, the subject works for the DoD as an “associate director.” And he has plenty of strong opinions on gun control.

He suggested the confiscation of firearms be done through the National Guard. This suggestion can be seen as somewhat aligning with the main function of the National Guard. But in what scope?

If the National Guard is mobilized to confiscate firearms, Beck’s suggestions might just allude to an uncomfortable notion: that using firearms in America is akin to inciting unrest.

Another thing that can’t be ignored is the legal and ethical consequences of using military force against law-abiding citizens. In an era where police brutality is a major issue, this concern about individual rights and government overreach is completely valid.

This question also highlighted the tension between obeying lawful orders and respecting individual rights. Where does one draw the line, and who is responsible for the fallout?

In a place where the government is the only one allowed to use force, a democratic society no longer exists. What exists, instead, is authoritarianism. And that’s a disturbing thought, indeed.

But this also means the courts are being manipulated in favor of certain parties, which undermines the people’s constitutional rights. The idea is, once again, discomfiting because the courts are meant to maintain judicial independence.

And what’s more disturbing is that Beck’s remarks seemingly represented the perspectives of high-level officials in the DoD. FYI, the Department of Defense is the one of the largest employers globally (employing 2.87 million people, including 1.34 million service members on active duty.)

So, whether Beck is a lone wolf in his anti gun views or part of a wider sentiment within the government, his statements indicate troubling signs of government overreach and ideological bias.

However, this particular video does raise some important questions. Whether you agree with strict gun control or not, questions about the government’s role in the citizens’ civil rights and liberties must not be ignored.

The CDC counts firearm mortality by state up until 2021. Various statistics on the topic are available online. All these numbers help you decide your stance with a clear head.

Key acts like the Gun Control Act of 1968 marked pivotal changes, aiming to regulate firearms at a federal level.

Similarly, the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007, which remains one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history, led to a significant overhaul of the national background check system to close critical loopholes.

Despite the profound public impact, federal legislative efforts faced substantial obstacles, highlighting the complex politics surrounding gun law reform in America (via Brookings).

The incident spurred discussions on not only device bans but also broader issues of hotel security and surveillance (via Michigan State University).

This youth-driven push for gun control led to significant legislative changes in several states and brought new energy to the national dialogue on gun safety.

This law was a foundational shift towards regulating the types of weapons accessible to the American public, particularly targeting gang-related weaponry.

These measures have led to a significant decrease in gun-related homicides and are often cited in U.S. debates as a successful example of comprehensive gun control policy.

The resulting legislation, which virtually banned handguns, has since been associated with a low rate of gun crimes in the UK, contrasting sharply with U.S. statistics.

These laws have resulted in remarkably low levels of gun violence, showcasing a model of stringent regulatory control.

Proponents of gun control argue for comprehensive background checks and restrictions on firearm types, while gun rights advocates cite the Second Amendment to oppose broad regulations, emphasizing self-defense as a fundamental right, viewed from a more black-and-white perspective.

These innovations could help reduce accidental shootings and unauthorized use, although they are met with skepticism from both sides of the gun debate.

As the nation grapples with frequent mass shootings and ongoing debates, the push for stricter laws may gain traction, influenced by upcoming electoral cycles and shifting societal norms.